What to Expect from Your First Telehealth Psychology Appointment

Telehealth therapy happens over Zoom, from wherever you are in Australia. Your first session is longer — it's a conversation, not a form. You need a Mental Health Treatment Plan (MHTP) from your GP if you're using Medicare. After five minutes, most people forget the camera is there.

If you've never done therapy online before, it's normal to wonder whether it'll feel like anything — or whether you'll spend the session staring at your own face in the corner of the screen. Most people find that after about five minutes, they forget the camera is there.

For many people — especially those in rural or regional areas, or anyone juggling work, kids, or a body that doesn't always cooperate — telehealth isn't a backup option. It's the better one.

Before your appointment

After booking, you'll get a confirmation through Zanda with a Zoom link included. No special software needed if you use a browser, though the app works well too.

If you're using Medicare, you'll need a Mental Health Treatment Plan (MHTP) from your GP before we meet. Your GP's reception team can help if you're not sure whether you have one.

It's worth thinking about where you'll sit. You don't need a home office — just:

• A quiet room with a closed door

• Headphones if you have them

• Enough light that I can see you

If privacy at home is tricky, sitting in your car works surprisingly well — lots of clients do it.

Your first session

The first appointment is longer than the ones that follow. That's intentional.

I use that time to get a real picture of what's brought you to therapy and what you're hoping things look like on the other side.

It's a conversation — not an intake form read aloud. I'll ask about your history, what's been happening, and what support you've had before. You don't need a tidy, articulate account of your life ready. Most people don't.

If you're neurodivergent, or think you might be, this is a good time to mention it — it shapes how I work with you. I use a neuroaffirming approach, which means I'm not trying to help you pass as neurotypical. I'm interested in understanding how your brain actually works.

During the session

A therapeutic hour is 50 minutes of face-to-face time. I use the remaining 10 minutes for session notes.

If you need to move around during the session, that's completely fine. You don't have to sit still to do good work.

After the session

You might feel lighter. You might feel stirred up. Sometimes both.

That's a normal part of the process — not a sign something went wrong.

If you have questions about Medicare rebates or booking your next session, the FAQ page covers all of that.

The main thing to know: you don't have to have everything figured out before you start. That's what we're here to do together.

Ready to book? Find my availability online [here].